Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways prepare Illinois students for success in college, career, and life by connecting academic learning with real-world skills. Through high-quality, industry-aligned programs, CTE pathways provide hands-on learning experiences, technical knowledge, and professional skills that lead to high-demand careers across fields such as agriculture, arts and communication, finance and business services, health sciences, human and public services, information technology, manufacturing, and engineering. Developed in partnership with employers, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations, these pathways offer opportunities for industry-recognized credentials, dual credit, apprenticeships, and work-based learning. To support educators, ISBE provides a collection of lesson plans, curriculum frameworks, and instructional resources on this site to assist teachers in implementing and strengthening CTE programs, enhancing student engagement, and connecting classroom instruction to meaningful career pathways.
